Tootfinder

Troy Jackson is the frontrunner for Maine Democrats
What happens next?
A reminder of the next steps of the frantic replacement process in the Maine Senate race now that Troy Jackson appears poised to clinch the Democratic nomination.
Over the weekend, all 16 counties elected 500 delegates who will vote in a special convention in Bangor on Saturday,
with the remaining delegates coming from the state Democratic party committee.
This will the formal process of selec…

Maine Democrats rally around Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner in crucial Senate race – US politics live
Former state legislator in strong position to become Democratic nominee after several candidates drop out over the weekend

Not another Trump sycophant': Democrats lambast Trump's nomination of Overton for FDA chief
And we’re already getting some sense from senators of how that might go. Democrat Patty Murray, of Washington, who sits on the Senate health committee, shared this on X:
Heidi Overton is a far-right, anti-abortion extremist who has no business leading the FDA.
The American people deserve someone who will put science and facts FIRST,
not another Trump sycophant who will …

‘Not another Trump sycophant’: Democrats blast Trump’s nomination of Heidi Overton for FDA chief – live
The abortion opponent stood next to the president as he made false claims about vaccines last week

Primaries in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming held on Tuesday provided the latest view into how voters are feeling ahead of November’s US midterm elections.
One candidate aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) netted an extraordinary win
while another was defeated handily.
Donald Trump’s handpicked candidates received a mixed reception from voters.
In Alaska, voters chose their fighters for one of the year’s marquee US Senate races,
and in Florida, e…

A democratic socialist win and losses for Trump allies: takeaways from primaries in three key states
Elections in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming provide a sense of how voters are feeling ahead of November’s midterms

Trump Pulls Back Intelligence Pick to Pressure Congress on Elections Bill (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/us/politics/senate-intelligence-nomination-voter-restrictions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.q1A.a77b.xF-3B8M3re4P&smid=url-share
http://www.memeorandum.com/260617/p52#a260617p52

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

Scott Wiener was the only Democrat in the Senate to vote against this bill closing a loophole that lets corporations not report toxic chemical discharges. Those others are all Republicans. #SB954 #sfpol

Indivisible SF (@IndivisibleSF@sfba.social)
Attached: 1 image Ask Your Assemblymember: Vote for SB 954 to Close the CEQA Loophole Last session, the California legislature punched a loophole in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which would exempt industries from reporting on releases of toxic chemicals, among other things, when proposing to build facilities. SB 954 will close that loophole. After passage in the Senate, it is now up for passage in the Assembly. Call your Assemblymember: vote yes on SB 954! https://indivi…

State Representative Angie Nixon of Jacksonville,
a progressive firebrand who ran an underdog campaign,
won the Democratic nomination for Senate in Florida, according to The Associated Press,
the latest left-wing victory against establishment Democrats.
In a huge upset, Ms. Nixon, 42, defeated Alex Vindman,
a former national security official who was a top witness in President Trump’s first impeachment trial.
His entry was largely welcomed by Democratic Pa…

Angie Nixon Scores Upset Win in Florida Senate Primary
Angie Nixon faces another difficult test this November against a Republican incumbent heavily favored to win.

Republicans Again Block War Powers Measure in the Senate (Robert Jimison/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/us/politics/republicans-iran-war-powers-senate.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260616/p146#a260616p146

US voters: please call your US House representative •now•. Tell them to block this.
The Senate just voted to shovel another $70 billion dollars to ICE and CBP. That’s •on top of• ~$170 billion in 2025. This is the people who invaded my city and kidnapped and murdered my neighbors — and haven’t faced a lick of accountability for it — getting a budget larger than Russia’s entire military.
They’re breaking all the normal budget rules to do it. The US House can stop it, and Republicans are balking. Call. Protest. Light a fire under them.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/senate-republicans-grapple-with-trumps-anti-weaponization-fund-ice-funding-vote-2026-06-04/

US tech firms share #Dutch regulator officials’ names with senate
https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/05/us-tech-firms-share-dutch-regulator-officials-names-…

Lindsey Graham, key ally of Donald Trump, has died after sudden illness, his office says;
Republican served in Senate since 2003 and was sharp Trump critic before becoming one of his most loyal backers
https://www.theguardian.com/us-…

Lindsey Graham, key ally of Donald Trump, has died after sudden illness, his office says
Republican senator served in Senate since 2003 and was sharp Trump critic before becoming one of his most loyal backers

Hooo boy. Wilde story ... Wilde story.
https://retractionwatch.com/2026/08/11/bmj-public-health-retraction-covid-19-vaccines-death-senate-hearing/

US-Techkonzerne wie #Microsoft und #Meta haben laut Medienberichten Namen niederländischer Beamtinnen, #Wissenschaftler und Regulierer an einen US-Senatsausschuss weitergegeben.
Die niederl…

US tech firms share Dutch regulator officials’ names with senate - DutchNews.nl
Companies such as Microsoft and Meta have shared the names of civil servants and academics working on European tech regulation with a senate committee investigating “tech censorship” or “jawboning”, news magazine Vrij Nederland reported on Friday. The cabinet has described the news as “extremely worrying”, given that the named officials could now face travel bans or even sanctions, Vrij Nederland said. “If you want to discuss policy, then you do it with us, not over the backs of c…

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, who championed a huge data center beside the Great Salt Lake, lost his Republican primary on Tuesday after voter backlash (Jack Healy/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/u…

Utah Senate President Loses Republican Primary After Data Center Backlash
The upset of J. Stuart Adams represented one of the strongest examples of how the data center issue has affected elections.

Trump may be trying to wind down his conflict with Iran,
but he is escalating his war with Senate Republicans.
Trump blindsided his supposed allies in the Senate on Wednesday with a rocket of a social media post from across the Atlantic,
tying together a host of his pet peeves about the Senate while yanking his new nominee for national intelligence director from his confirmation hearing just hours before it was to occur.
It was an extraordinary move from a president w…

Trump Feuds With Thune and G.O.P., Stoking Election-Year Rift
The president upended the majority leader’s plans by yanking his intelligence nominee from a confirmation hearing and insisting on an end to the filibuster.

The Crypto Industry Makes Its Biggest Midterm Bet Yet (Theodore Schleifer/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/us/politics/crypto-barry-moore-fairshake-alabama-senate.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260616/p151#a260616p151

"..the Democratic brand “is in trouble”, noting that ballot measures based on Democratic policies often win in places where candidates do not."
So why to I get push-back when I post that the Democratic messaging is bad, and that they are not effectively engaging with the electorate on the issues they care about?

"..the Democratic brand “is in trouble”, noting that ballot measures based on Democratic policies often win in places where candidates do not."
So why to I get push-back when I post that the Democratic messaging is bad, and that they are not effectively engaging with the electorate on the issues they care about?

"The US Senate on Thursday rejected a largely symbolic effort to limit Donald Trump’s authority to wage war in Iran..."
I think you mean the largely symbolic Senate...
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/30/donald-trump-senate-iran…

US Senate rejects bid to rein in Trump’s authority over Iran war
Measure fails 49-50 as US launches new retaliatory attacks in Iran and lawmakers question the prolonged conflict

Looks like Paxton.
LIVE RESULTS: Republican Texas US Senate Runoff - Joe.My.God.
https://www.joemygod.com/2026/05/live-results-republican-texas-us-senate-runoff/

Donald Trump abruptly diverted the confirmation process for Jay Clayton as the US’s top intelligence chief early Wednesday,
in a move that will allow Trump's controversial selection for acting director of national security, Bill Pulte, to assume the role and remain in place for at least several weeks until Clayton is confirmed.
Trump had pushed the Senate to confirm Clayton after his appointment of Pulte as acting director sparked bipartisan pushback and stalled his administr…

Poll: Tight race for US Senate between Cotton, Shoffner (Roby Brock/Talk Business & Politics)
https://talkbusiness.net/2026/08/poll-tight-race-for-us-senate-between-cotton-shoffner/
http://www.memeorandum.com/260820/p21#a260820p21

Primary elections are taking place in Oklahoma today and a closely watched run-off is underway in Georgia,
as Donald Trump’s iron grip on the Republican party faces its next test.
In Washington DC - a Democratic stronghold - voters are also selecting a candidate for the party ahead of November’s mayoral election.
Oklahoma will hold races to help decide US senate and gubernatorial candidates.
Ahead of November’s midterms, Trump has given his early backing to Kevin Hern…

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

President Trump Endorses Mike Collins in Georgia Senate Runoff (Tim Balk/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/14/us/politics/trump-mike-collins-georgia-senate-runoff.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260614/p9#a260614p9

Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked the advancement of a must-pass defense bill in protest of Donald Trump’s resumption of hostilities with Iran.
The hold up of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) comes amid the fiercest exchange in fire between the countries in weeks,
which has amplified frustration among Democrats that the US remains involved in the conflict despite the passage last month of a war powers resolution intended to force a ceasefire.
Chuck Schumer, t…

Senate Democrats block advancement of defense bill to protest Trump’s hostilities with Iran
Chuck Schumer says Republicans are ‘ignoring the nation’s most urgent national security crisis’ amid US exchange of fire with Iran

Let’s talk about the billionaires
— the folks cutting the line while the rest of us pay the bill.
They don’t need another champion in Congress.
I’m not going to the Senate to fight for guys like Elon Musk,
and I don’t believe in tax cuts for the wealthiest people on the planet.
That might not be a popular opinion in Washington, but here in Maine, the vast majority of folks would agree.
Except Susan Collins.
Susan Collins has hardly met a billionaire…

Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate
Troy Jackson is ready to flip Maine's Senate seat and unseat Susan Collins once and for all. He's a fifth-generation logger from Allagash, a lifelong labor champion, and former Maine Senate President, who's proven he can win — by 20 points — in a district carried by both Susan Collins and Donald Trump.

Democrats have slammed Donald Trump’s Thursday night speech
where he repeated conspiracies and unfounded claims that both the 2020 election was stolen,
and the current state of election integrity is compromised.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said the address was
a “pathetic attempt” by the president to cast doubt on the fact that he lost the 2020 election.
The Senate minority leader said that Trump is evading discussing contentious policy issues,

DHS chief threatens states that refuse Trump’s election demands after president’s widely condemned speech – live
Markwayne Mullin follows up on president’s unproven claims as Democrats accuse Trump of ‘working to rig the midterms’ in advance

She says "“No marriage is perfect, and I don’t want a perfect marriage,” Ms. Gertner said. “I want my marriage, and I want to be married to Graham.”
Platner’s Wife Flagged His Sexual Texts With Other Women as Maine Senate Race Began - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/30/us/politics/graham-platner-maine-senate-texts.html

Two Dan Sullivans? Alaska G.O.P. Suggests Kicking One Off the Ballot in Senate Race (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/12/us/politics/dan-sullivan-alaska-senate-election.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260613/p13#a260613p13

Mitch ⁠McConnell, US senator ⁠from Kentucky,
was admitted to ‌the ‌hospital ‌on Sunday morning, ‌a spokesperson ⁠said in a statement.
“Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning. He is receiving excellent care,” the statement read.
In recent years, McConnell has publicly struggled with his health,
raising questions on whether he will finish out his current Senate term,
set to end in January 2027.

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

US Senate candidate with same name as incumbent Dan Sullivan ineligible for ballot, official rules (Becky Bohrer/Associated Press)
https://apnews.com/article/alaska-senate-dan-sullivan-primary-ad88336170d376a646911609cf3a51e0
http://www.memeorandum.com/260615/p91#a260615p91

Wyoming Primary:
One of the most conservative states has a legislature divided between a hard-right House and a merely right Senate.
Ultraconservatives want a complete takeover in the Aug. 18 primaries
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/us/elec…

In This State, an Intense Fight in the G.O.P. for Control of the Right
Wyoming, one of the most conservative states, has a legislature divided between a hard-right House and a merely right Senate. Ultraconservatives want a complete takeover in the Aug. 18 primaries.

State Rep Angie Nixon,
who is running in the Democratic primary for US Senate,
had a preliminary court hearing in Leon County Wednesday,
related to her May arrest for staging a sit-in outside
Governor Ron DeSantis’ office.
A trial date for Nixon was set for the week of Sept. 21.
Nixon was arrested on May 15,
after sitting in the governor’s capitol office for several hours,
protesting new Congressional district maps passed by Florida lawmakers.…

‘Weaponization of justice’: Jacksonville Rep. Angie Nixon gets September trial date in DeSantis office sit-in case
State Rep Angie Nixon, who is running in the Democratic primary for US Senate, had a preliminary court hearing in Leon County Wednesday.

In Maine, Troy Jackson Gains Momentum in Bid to Replace Platner (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/19/us/politics/maine-democrats-senate-jackson.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260719/p18#a260719p18

Peggy Flanagan,
the progressive lieutenant governor of Minnesota,
clinched the victory in the state’s Democratic primary for US Senate,
beating out moderate US representative Angie Craig.
The AP called the race, with Flanagan leading with nearly 59% of the vote.

Minnesota progressive wins Senate primary over anti-ICE sentiments, as Wisconsin governor’s race remains close – live
Peggy Flanagan sweeps Minnesota Senate primary; in Wisconsin, moderate David Crowley and Democratic socialist Francesca Hong face tight race to be Democratic nominee for governor

'I'm Not That Informed on National Security,' Graham Says in South Carolina Debate (Emily Davies/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/us/politics/south-carolina-senate-runoff-debate-graham-norman.html?unlocked_article_code=1.6lA.x35p.d7CeQ0sqbTqv&smid=url-share
http://www.memeorandum.com/260819/p22#a260819p22

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

Now that Graham Platner has ended his campaign after a rape allegation that he denies,
Maine voters and state party leaders are warning Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C., not to intervene in the process the state party is using to replace Platner.
All the leading candidates running to replace Platner have signaled interest in replacing Schumer as leader after the midterms.

Maine Democrats to Chuck Schumer: Stay Out of Our Senate Race
Local Democrats are warning the top Senate Democrat to keep away as they replace Graham Platner, and the candidates are giving his leadership in Washington low marks.

Trump’s agreement with Iran opened new fissures in his party on Wednesday,
with Republicans on Capitol Hill and beyond questioning whether his administration had secured adequate concessions from Iranian leaders after months of a costly and unpopular war.
After the Trump administration released the text of the arrangement on Wednesday, some Senate Republicans reacted with fierce criticism, skepticism and alarm.
Prominent members of the G.O.P.’s old guard from outside Congre…

Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P.
Some in the president’s party were skeptical about whether the agreement he reached included adequate concessions from Iranian officials.

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

Trump Urges Thune to Fire US Senate Rules Referee 'Immediately' (Steven T. Dennis/Bloomberg)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-08/trump-urges-thune-to-fire-us-senate-rules-referee-immediately
http://www.memeorandum.com/260608/p81#a260608p81

Jay Clayton, the US attorney for the southern district of New York,
refused to say that Joe Biden won the 2020 election during his Wednesday confirmation hearing to become the country’s next intelligence chief.
Clayton opted instead to say that Biden was “certified” as president.
Clayton also skirted questions about his previous election integrity claims and whether or not a White House official asked him to subpoena a group of New York Times journalists as part of an alleg…

Trump intelligence pick Jay Clayton refuses to say Biden won 2020 election
Clayton, if confirmed, would replace Bill Pulte, and is facing senators for confirmation as the US’s top spy

Throughout today’s confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the
$1.8bn “anti-weaponization” fund created to compensate the president’s allies
– namely January 6 defendents
– has been definitively abandoned by the Trump administration.

Blanche sought to underscore that the slush fund is “dead”, as he fielded questions from senators on both sides of the aisle.
“The settlement fund is just not …

Democrats grill Todd Blanche on ICE agents at polling sites and Kash Patel’s conduct at attorney general confirmation hearing – live
Trump’s nominee for attorney general – also his former personal defense lawyer – faces questions from senators as he attempts to take the top justice department role

Senate Health Panel Chairman Voices Strong Reservations About F.D.A. Nominee (Sheryl Gay Stolberg/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/us/politics/heidi-overton-cassidy-fda.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260819/p119#a260819p119

Alaska US Senate candidate Mary Peltola has rejected the support of Kamala Harris, her fellow Democrat,
after the 2024 presidential candidate sent out a seemingly unsolicited fundraising appeal on Peltola’s behalf.
Harris, who lost Alaska – typically a Republican-voting state – by 13 points during her unsuccessful White House run, on Wednesday sent an email from her political organization to supporters of Peltola, a former US House member.
“If there’s anyone who can flip Al…

Home - Mary Peltola
It's simple: The fight for Fish, Family, Freedom depends on fixing the rigged system in DC.

Pro-Israel Group Pushes for Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Race (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/us/politics/aipac-haley-stevens-michigan-senate.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260609/p96#a260609p96

Michigan U.S. Senate primary results
https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/michigan-primary-results-us-senate/#Dem

Michigan U.S. Senate Primary Election Live Results 2026
Live results for the August 4, 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate primary. Track election results with real-time vote counts, county-level maps and race calls from AP.

The US Senate passed legislation to fund Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown early on Friday morning,
ending a partial government shutdown that has lingered since February.
The 52-47 vote on funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
passed with no Democratic support at 5am,
after a marathon session of votes to knock down proposed amendments.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only …

us_congress: US Congressional co-sponsorship (1973-2016)
Two temporal networks of bill co-sponsorship tendencies among US Congresspeople, from 1973 (93rd Congress) to 2016 (114th Congress). Edges are signed, indicating the presence of a significant tendency to co-sponsor, or tendency to not co-sponsor, bills. Two networks per year, one for each chamber (House, Senate). Each file contains the signed network for a chamber of congress (H = House, S = Senate) in one session (e.g. 93 = 93rd…

Trump Looms Over Pivotal Republican Senate Runoff in Georgia (Patricia Mazzei/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/07/us/politics/georgia-republican-senate-runoff-trump.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260607/p5#a260607p5

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Michigan,
embraced Donald Trump’s suggestion that the two represent
“VERY DIFFERENT” versions of the US,
-- pledging to fight inequality while the president is “making billions of dollars off of you”.
In a Saturday night post on his Truth Social platform, Trump shared an image of himself and the first lady, Melania Trump, beside a photo of El-Sayed, who is Muslim, and his wife, Sarah Jukaku, wearing a hijab.

Abdul El-Sayed embraces Trump claim he represents ‘very different’ America
Michigan nominee, who spoke to Obama after primary win, vows to fight inequality as president ‘makes billions off you’

Peltola and Sullivan Advance in Crucial Alaska Senate Contest (Kellen Browning/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/us/politics/peltola-sullivan-alaska-senate-primary.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260819/p4#a260819p4

Democratic State Representative Scores Upset Win in Florida Senate Primary (Patricia Mazzei/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/us/politics/florida-democratic-senate-primary-results.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260818/p145#a260818p145

Lisa Demuth, the Republican speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,
secured the Republican nomination for governor,
-- edging out pillow salesman Mike Lindell, who had received Trump’s endorsement in the race.
Demuth became speaker last year in an evenly divided House, becoming the first Black person in the role.

Minnesota progressive wins Senate primary over anti-ICE sentiments, as Wisconsin governor’s race remains close – live
Peggy Flanagan sweeps Minnesota Senate primary; in Wisconsin, moderate David Crowley and Democratic socialist Francesca Hong face tight race to be Democratic nominee for governor

Graham Platner ends U.S. Senate campaign in Maine
Graham Platner,
the populist political newcomer who Democrats had hoped could flip a critical U.S. Senate seat in Maine,
ended his campaign Wednesday night
after a woman he previously dated publicly accused him of sexual assault.

“We believe for the movement to continue, it can’t be me
and for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations,”
Platner said Wednesday night.

The development, a…

Graham Platner ends U.S. Senate campaign in Maine
The Democratic nominee left the race following an allegation of sexual assault. Maine Democrats have until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R).

After Senate Loss, Cornyn Predicts 'Miserable' Final Two Years for Trump (Carl Hulse/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/us/john-cornyn-interview-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.pVA.t7sJ.kAQ6Ihjoj6UA&smid=url-share
http://www.memeorandum.com/260611/p137#a260611p137

Casting Her 10,000th Vote in a Row, Collins Sets a Senate Record (Carl Hulse/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/05/us/politics/susan-collins-votes-streak-senate.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260605/p61#a260605p61

Katie Miller, an erstwhile Trump administration official and wife of Stephen Miller,
once relied on Dr Anthony Fauci to get through Covid.
Now, she’s calling for his imprisonment
– a reversal that illuminates the politicization of Fauci and of public health writ large,
a trend that could have major repercussions for America’s preparedness for future crises.
A US Senate committee will vote on Thursday morning over whether to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress

Why making Anthony Fauci the enemy will harm US public health for years
Republicans are trying to scapegoat the infectious disease expert, even as they have gutted healthcare amid outbreaks of measles, cyclosporiasis and Ebola

Michigan is not the only state with primaries on Tuesday.
In Missouri, voters will weigh whether to nominate former US representative Cori Bush, who is running to return to the chamber against Wesley Bell in a race punctuated by the war in Gaza and outside spending by pro-Israel groups.
And in Washington state, voters will decide which two candidates to elevate in the third congressional district, where blue-dog Democratic representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking re-elec…

Michigan votes in key Senate primary as Democrats battle over party’s future
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed leads in polls against centrist Haley Stevens as party looks to regain control of US Senate

I know firsthand why Graham Platner shouldn't be a U.S. senator (Genevieve McDonald/Washington Post)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/08/graham-platner-maine-us-senate-primary-bid-sends-dubious-message/
http://www.memeorandum.com/260608/p110#a260608p110

A top official with the Maine Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that
Graham Platner’s team had been trying to “put their thumb on the scale”
in the party’s planning for his replacement as the Democratic nominee for Senate,
-- but that he would have “no role” in the selection process.
“We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our U.S. Senate nominee,
nor in determining what this process looks like,”
D…

Top Maine Democrat Says Platner Will Have ‘No Role’ in Picking Next Nominee
A top state party official said that Graham Platner’s team had “repeatedly” tried to “put their thumb on the scale,” but he would not influence how the party chose a new Senate candidate.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Shah 
and Troy Jackson are now part of the growing field of candidates seeking the nod to face Susan Collins in November.
Other declared contenders include former political operative Jordan Wood who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District,
Social worker Paige Loud who also ran in the 2nd District race,
Maine Rep. Valli Geiger of Rockland,
Maine Beer Co. co-founder Dan Kleban,
…

Shenna Bellows enters open Democratic US Senate race
The secretary of state previously faced off against Sen. Susan Collins in 2014 and lost.

The Narrow Path to a Democratic Senate Runs Through Very Red States (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/03/us/politics/midterm-senate-battlegrounds.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260603/p120#a260603p120

“Maine Democratic Party leadership takes seriously our responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard,”
reads a statement signed by chair Charlie Dingman, vice-chair Imke Schessler, and executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson.
“Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner.
Today’s statements take those allegations even further.”
“Maine Democratic Party leade…

Democrats begin withdrawing endorsements of Graham Platner after Senate candidate is accused of sexual assault – live
Democrats call allegation against the Maine US Senate candidate ‘serious and credible’ and ‘troubling’; Democratic nominee to ‘reflect’ on ‘best path forward’

Democratic frustration and worries were growing on Wednesday
as Graham Platner hung on to the party’s nomination for Senate in Maine nearly 48 hours after a woman accused him of rape.
Despite losing every prominent allyand major sources of party funding,
Mr. Platner has seemed to hold out hope of influencing the choice of his replacement in the state’s crucial Senate race.
The Maine Democratic Party, which is facing a Monday legal deadline for him to drop out so it ca…

Democrats Grow Frustrated as Graham Platner Resists Dropping Out Quickly in Maine
Two days after a woman accused Graham Platner of rape, he had not given up his nomination for Senate in Maine, raising worries about whether and how his party might find a replacement.

“Firing every remaining member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission
months before the midterms
is a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast,”
Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
“He is gutting the independent agency that certifies voting systems and helps election officials run secure elections.”
Schumer said Senate Democrats will fight this move.
“The American people—not Donald Trump—will decide the 2026 election.”

‘Brazen attempt to seize control’: Democratic leader vows to fight Trump’s election commission firings – live
Politicians and advocates say dismissals are ‘deeply concerning and part of president’s ‘relentless efforts to interfere with elections’

Several Women Who Dated Graham Platner Recall 'Unsettling' Behavior (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/us/politics/platner-maine-senate-girlfriends-relationships.html?unlocked_article_code=1.nlA.XY1t.GaPabnQcxRPt&smid=nytcore-ios-share
http://www.memeorandum.com/260604/p93#a260604p93

Platner Has Slight Edge Over Collins in Tight Maine Senate Race, Poll Finds (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/29/us/politics/collins-platner-maine-senate-poll.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260629/p9#a260629p9

Platner's Texts With Women Concerned Campaign as Senate Race Took Off (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/30/us/politics/graham-platner-maine-senate-texts.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260530/p41#a260530p41

The US Senate voted to confirm Jay Clayton as the director of national intelligence on Tuesday,
giving Trump another key ally directing the nation’s intelligence apparatus.
The tally, 51-47, fell along party lines, with all Republicans supporting his nomination and all Democrats opposing it.
Clayton, currently the US attorney for the southern district of New York, will replace Bill Pulte,
a staunch Trump loyalist who had been temporarily serving in the role since June…

Senate confirms Trump ally Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence
At confirmation hearing, Clayton sidestepped questions about 2020 election and declined to say Trump lost

The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth told the Senate on Tuesday that the US-Israel war on Iran had
cost $37.5 billion so far,
as he faced lawmakers furious over the conflict’s soaring price tag and the deaths last week of three American service members.
During an appearance before the Senate appropriations committee, Hegseth,
whose opening remarks were repeatedly interrupted by protesters,
provided an updated account of the war’s cost
– up from previous …

Hegseth tells Senate war on Iran has so far cost $37.5bn at hearing to request more funds
Defense secretary has asked Senate appropriations committee for nearly $88bn more to continue effort

Dem. Senate candidate James Talarico's mysterious girlfriend revealed -- and she's vegan (New York Post)
https://nypost.com/2026/05/29/us-news/senate-candidate-james-talaricos-vegan-girlfriend-revealed/
http://www.memeorandum.com/260529/p125#a260529p125

The Senate is due to begin voting as early as Monday on the nomination of Manhattan US attorney Jay Clayton,
Donald Trump’s pick to be the ⁠top US spy,
and he ⁠is expected to be approved within days despite a tense confirmation hearing.
If approved to be the director of national intelligence,
Clayton would fill a role vacated in June when Tulsi Gabbard stepped down after ⁠a tenure marked by clashes with congressional Democrats,
who accused her of advancing Trump…

Trump backs Pete Hegseth amid renewed tensions with Iran – live
Trump said he thinks his defense secretary ‘has done a great job’

Paxton's Senate Bid Raises the Stakes in His War on Latino Voting Groups (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/06/us/politics/ken-paxton-latino-voting.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260606/p6#a260606p6

In the Senate today, lawmakers plan to question US trade representative Jamieson Greer.
Ron Wyden, the Senate finance committee’s top Democrat, said that
Donald Trump’s “tariff spree” has “hammered” farmers and small business owners in his home state of Oregon
– particularly in communities which voted for the president in 2024.
“Like so many other promises, Donald Trump has made to working people, The second he set foot in the White House, he did nothing to put Americ…

Trump trade envoy grilled about ‘tariff spree’ and price rises for Americans in Senate hearing – US politics live
Jamieson Greer faces senators’ questions about latest round of tariffs and impacts on cost of living of Trump policies

A new, bipartisan bill could allow Trump to drop 100 percent tariffs on virtually any country he likes,
for as long as he likes,
and with pretty much bulletproof legal authority to do so;
Which means even the Supreme Court couldn’t bail out Congress (or the rest of us) next time.
This is all happening through the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act,
which is rapidly moving through Congress with broad bipartisan support.
It is expected to clear the S…

Senate Voting to Give Trump a Tariff Nuke
A bill supposedly aimed at Russia is really an unprecedented new tariff power grab—yet prominent Democrats are backing it.

Cornyn's Defeat Fuels Tensions With President Trump in Senate G.O.P. (Carl Hulse/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/us/trump-cornyn-paxton-senate-republicans.html?unlocked_article_code=1.llA.59kh.XLm_l_xeJFka&smid=nytcore-ios-share
http://www.memeorandum.com/260527/p98#a260527p98

Senate G.O.P. Ready to Drop Ballroom Funds From ICE Bill
Several Republicans had balked at including the money in an immigration enforcement measure that the party plans to push through on a party-line vote
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/us/poli

Senate G.O.P. Ready to Drop Ballroom Funds From ICE Bill
Several Republicans had balked at including the money in an immigration enforcement measure that the party plans to push through on a party-line vote.

A Paralympic Champion and an Eagle Scout Give Democrats Hope in Deep-Red Iowa (Michael Kruse/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/us/politics/iowa-senate-primary-turek-wahls.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260601/p30#a260601p30

Senate G.O.P. Ready to Drop Ballroom Funds From ICE Bill
Several Republicans had balked at including the money in an immigration enforcement measure that the party plans to push through on a party-line vote
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/us/poli

Senate G.O.P. Ready to Drop Ballroom Funds From ICE Bill
Several Republicans had balked at including the money in an immigration enforcement measure that the party plans to push through on a party-line vote.

Senate Democrats Will Train Staff as Election Observers (Michael Gold/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/senate-democrats-will-train-staff-as-election-observers.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260625/p6#a260625p6

The Senate homeland security and governmental affairs committee
🔥voted to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress
after a bitter hearing last week,
where the retired public health official invoked the fifth amendment
for fear of self-incrimination and possible prosecution by Republican lawmakers,
who have routinely vilified him for his handling of the Covid-19 response.
The vote was adopted along party lines.
This came after several attempts from s…

Senate committee holds Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress – live
Republican majority voted to hold the retired health official in contempt after hearing where he repeatedly invoked the fifth amendment

As Platner Faces Controversy in Maine, Mills Notes, 'I Am Still on the Ballot' (Reid J. Epstein/New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/us/politics/mills-platner-maine-democratic-senate-primary.html
http://www.memeorandum.com/260601/p92#a260601p92

The front-runner for the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin is State Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist.
While her victory on Tuesday is assured by most accounts, where she does well — or less well — could reveal clues as to whether the socialist brand can work in a general election in a purple state
Left-wing candidates have harnessed enthusiasm and turned it into actual votes by engaging in superior messaging and organization on the ground.

What to Watch in Tuesday’s Primary Elections in Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Carolina
The left and the middle continue to battle in Democratic primaries for governor in Wisconsin and Senate in Minnesota. In South Carolina, all eyes are on Darline Graham.

New evidence casts doubt on RFK Jr testimony before Senate (Michelle R Smith/The Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/25/rfk-jr-senate-testimony-samoa-visit
http://www.memeorandum.com/260625/p64#a260625p64

The two Republican senators who threatened to block Todd Blanche’s bid to permanently become attorney general announced
they will advance his nomination
after he confirmed in writing that a planned $1.8bn slush fund for Donald Trump’s allies was dead.
The US Senate judiciary committee is due to vote on Tuesday on whether to approve the nomination of Blanche,
who is already acting attorney general,
and send it to the wider Senate for a vote.
Outgoing lawmak…

Republican holdouts say they will back Todd Blanche for attorney general
Move comes after Blanche gives senators written assurance he will drop Trump’s $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund

Graham Platner can be replaced as the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine
⭐️ if he withdraws from the race by next Monday,
⭐️ and state law would then give the state Democratic Party until July 27 to name a replacement.
Maine Democrats would be in uncharted terrain if Mr. Platner does exit the contest
after a Politico report that he sexually assaulted a woman he had dated.
He denied the allegation but said he was taking time to “reflect” on his political path …

Who Might Replace Graham Platner if He Drops Out of the Maine Senate Race?
Graham Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws in the next week. If he does, Maine Democrats would face an uncertain two-week race to choose a replacement.

A Senate committee voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony S. Fauci,
the scientist who led the country’s Covid response,
in contempt of Congress for declining to answer questions during a hearing last week.
But will the courts uphold it?
Dr. Fauci invoked his constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment to remain silent,
refusing to respond to a single question during the three-hour session of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Republicans on the panel, …

What Is Fauci Being Accused of and Why Is He Being Held in Contempt?
The case is unique, legal scholars say, because of the tension between the Fifth Amendment and the reach of a presidential pardon. The potential consequences could be grave.

Tuesday's Michigan primary will be, perhaps, the most contentious Democratic primary this year
– and a test for the party’s future.
Who can win this purple state in November, and potentially push the party towards a majority in the Senate?
Recent surveys have shown Abdul El-Sayed pulling ahead.
A nonpartisan Emerson poll this week of likely Democratic voters found 54% intended to vote for El-Sayed compared to 39% for Haley Stevens,
And a stark age divide:

Democrats face most contentious – and crucial – test yet with Michigan primary
Voters are faced with the thorny question of electability: who can win this purple state in November and potentially push Democrats toward a US Senate majority?

Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat gained endorsements this week from the national Indivisible organization and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
The former public health official is competing against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak in the Democratic primary.
Ocasio-Cortez, a congresswoman from New York and an important leader in the progressive movement, decided to throw her weight behind …

Home
Abdul El-Sayed is running for US Senate in Michigan to get money out of politics, put money in your pocket, and pass Medicare for All.

Trump has defended controversial plans for a $1.8 billion slush fund
even as they threaten to derail the nomination of his former personal lawyer Todd Blanche for US attorney general.
Blanche “should be immediately approved” by the US Senate, the president declared in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday morning,
defending the payout scheme proposed by his officials in the Department of Justice as it holds up Blanche’s confirmation.
Blanche, Trump's forme…

Trump defends $1.8bn slush fund that is holding up Todd Blanche confirmation
President calls for former personal defense lawyer to be ‘immediately approved’ as attorney general

Maine Democrats hit reset on their chaotic Senate primary on Saturday
as Troy Jackson officially secured the party’s nomination.
He took the stage at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor to rapturous applause, a standing ovation
and Noah Kahan’s Northern Attitude blaring over the speakers.
“This is the absolute honor of my life,” Jackson said.
“If you’ve ever been ignored, underestimated, pushed around or told that you have to wait your turn while the rich cut t…

Troy Jackson secures Democratic nomination for Maine Senate seat after chaotic primary race
Progressive former state senate president gains nomination after Graham Platner dropped out over sexual assault allegations

The democratic socialist and his Fox News interrogator circled each other for almost 15 minutes,
disagreeing on everything from homeless encampments to whether the U.S. Senate is truly democratic.
But it was a question about city-owned grocery stores in New York that left the host speechless.
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America,
declared that if city-owned stores brought down prices enough to drum people out …

A Democratic Socialist Seeks New Voters in an Unlikely Place: Fox News
Gustavo Gordillo, a leader of the New York D.S.A., wants to reach new voters. But in interviews with conservative media, the backlash can be sharp.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁
—𝘀𝗼 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗪 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁.
On May 28th, Miller appeared on Fox News, where he was identified in his official capacity. 
When discussing Talarico’s nomination by the Democratic Party in the US Senate race in Texas,
Miller responded with partisan comments, mocking Talarico as "the Democratic Party’s first transgender Senate candidate who is clearly transitioning to female." 
𝗧𝗵…

Anthony Fauci, the former veteran director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Niaid),
invoked the Fifth Amendment during a hearing before the US Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
During his long history in the government, he many times appeared before committee’s for hearings and respects the value of oversight.
“However, given Senator Paul’s obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution,
his repeated slanderou…

Anthony Fauci invokes fifth amendment right not to answer questions in Senate hearing on Covid-19 – live
Medical adviser says he invokes right to refrain from answering questions, accusing Rand Paul of having ‘obvious obsession’ with him

US senator Mitch McConnell is still not cleared to return to work, his office confirmed on Monday,
six weeks after he was hospitalized after a fall at his home.
An update released alongside a new photograph of the Republican lawmaker – one of the highest-profile figures in Congress, as a former Senate majority leader – said he was undergoing “intense physical therapy” and is “working hard” to get back to his duties.
In the statement, he said that he wouldn’t be able to make…

Mitch McConnell still not cleared to resume Senate duties, office says
Kentucky senator has been absent and not seen in public since mid-June after he was hospitalized due to a fall